Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up

The fall temperatures may be dropping, but the Royal Caribbean news from this week is as hot as ever, and we have it all summarized for you in this week's round up!

Royal Caribbean plans to restart cruises in December on Quantum of the Seas, and has released some easy to read guides about the new changes that will be added.

The cruise line calls its collection of new health protocols, "The Royal Promise", and it encompasses all the new changes onboard to protect guests from the current health crisis.

These changes include reducing the number of guests onboard to no more than 50% occupancy, testing everyone before sailing, and enhanced cleanliness standards.

Royal Caribbean News

• Top 10 most surprising new cruise health protocols
• How Royal Caribbean will circulate air on its cruise ships to protect against coronavirus
• Royal Caribbean’s plan to avoid a ship getting quarantined
• Grandfather pleads guilty in death of toddler who fell from a Royal Caribbean ship
• Parents of toddler are still pursuing a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean
• A decision on lifting the cruise ship ban could be coming as early as this week
• 7 hints & updates from Royal Caribbean on what's next
• Royal Caribbean gives business update on 2021 bookings, restarting & impact of shutdown
• What happens if a cruise is oversold above reduced capacity?
• Is Royal Caribbean's chat feature coming to more ships?
• Is it worth it to book a short 3-night cruise?
• 8 Secret spots on Royal Caribbean cruise ships
• Top 14 best free things to do on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Getting married on a cruise is something many couples choose to do, and this week's podcast episode is about Rebecca's Allure of the Seas wedding cruise.

Rebecca shares why she chose to get married on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, and what goes into planning a wedding and honeymoon cruise.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 6 things that happen on a cruise that nobody talks about

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 6 things that happen on a cruise that nobody talks about — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Three things Royal Caribbean needs to go right for cruises to resume in the U.S.

While Royal Caribbean announced it will restart cruises in Singapore, the big question is when will they be able to cruise again from the United States?

The next couple of weeks could be a moment of truth for the industry. In order for cruises to resume sooner than later in the USA, at least three key things have to go Royal Caribbean's way.

Based on comments from last week's meeting with the cruise lines and Vice President Mike Pence, here are the three big things that have to fall into place for Royal Caribbean.

I hope everyone reading this is having a wonderful Sunday and enjoying some time this weekend with friends, family and some good food too.  There was a lot of Royal Caribbean news this week, and we have summarized all up into one easy-to-read blog post for your convenience!

The BIG news this week is Royal Caribbean is about to restart cruises finally, with Quantum of the Seas sailing again from Singapore in December.

Royal Caribbean received permission from the Singapore government to conduct roundtrip 3- and 4-night cruises from Singapore that have no port stops.

Quantum of the Seas will sail at a maximum of 50% capacity, and is limited to only residents of Singapore.

Royal Caribbean News

• First look at Royal Caribbean's new health protocols
• Cruise lines meet with Vice President Pence to discuss cruises restarting
• Royal Caribbean will test 100% of its guests and crew
• Could crew members returning be a sign Royal Caribbean is serious about cruises restarting?
• There will be a buffet, but no dinner option
• Royal Caribbean cancelled all of its November cruises
• Could Navigator of the Seas about to do a couple test cruises?
• New Odyssey of the Seas construction photos were released
• What happened to Royal Caribbean's first cruise ship?
• Royal Caribbean offering up to 45% pre-cruise purchases this weekend
• Top 8 things you should know about Royal Caribbean's 125% onboard credit offer

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

This week's cruise story takes us to Bermuda, where Joe wanted to visit this beautiful island again on Anthem of the Seas.

Joe shares what his second time visiting Bermuda was like, and some of the memorable stories from his family vacation.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it

New RCB Video: The Worst Things EVERYONE Does on a cruise!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — The Worst Things EVERYONE Does on a cruise! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Where and when will you have to wear a mask on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Of all the new rules Royal Caribbean is adding, having to wear a mask is among the most discordant issue of them all.

Wearing a mask will be a requirement on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but there are rules about where and when you can take it off.

Check out our breakdown of what the face mask rules are, so you will be prepared when cruises begin!

Happy Sunday! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news, and we have it all summarized for you in this round up.

The big cruise news this week was the extension of the No Sail order through the end of October 2020.

Prior to this extension, the "No Sail Order" was set to expire on September 30 at midnight, although Royal Caribbean and all the cruise lines have already voluntarily cancelled its cruises through October 31, 2020, with the intention to possibly resume November 1.

The CDC announced it would be extended an additional 30 days, although there is a report circulating that the CDC wanted to extend it longer, but the White House overruled them.

Royal Caribbean News

• The ability to cancel or defer a cruise without penalty has been extended until November 30.
• Royal Caribbean released itineraries for the redeployed cruise ships.
• A scheduled meeting between the cruise lines and the White House has been postponed.
• Why did the CDC extend the No Sail order?
• Where Royal Caribbean cruising is right now.
• Royal Caribbean is offering Kids Sail Free for the first time during summer.
• Top 5 things that Royal Caribbean had planned for 2020 but are now delayed.
• How to know if you should buy a dining package.
• Should you use porters to take your luggage when going on a cruise?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 374th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where James shares the important lesson of being flexible on a cruise.

James started off his cruise with a major storm and an accident, but did not let these speed bumps deter his ability to have a great cruise vacation.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: 5 things you can buy for a cruise that aren't worth it!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — 5 things you can buy for a cruise that aren't worth it! — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

What it's like to be a on cruise ship with no guests

Royal Caribbean's cruise ships are still operating with limited staff onboard, and a lot of people are curious what life is like onboard without passengers.

While Royal Caribbean cruises are currently shutdown due to the current health crisis, its ships remain ready for when cruises resume. So what is happening onboard while there are no cruises?

Captain Johnny Faevelen is the Master of Harmony of the Seas, and shared what the crew are up to onboard, and what sort of things they are doing while the ship is not conducting any cruises.

Happy weekend! We have a look back at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week to share with all of you.

Royal Caribbean's Healthy Sail Panel released its initial recommendations this week, outlining a plan for cruises to safely return.

The detailed list of recommendations encompasses 74 steps and is 65 pages long, tackling a number of scenarios and approaches for ensuring guests and crew members are safe, while mitigating any infection onboard.

Here is a look at the most important health protocol changes to know about.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will redeploy five cruise ships for summer 2021.
• Royal Caribbean executives have not ruled out cruises in 2020 yet.
• 4 Cruise CEOs see cruises restarting in USA thanks to newly announced safety policies.
• Miami-Dade Mayor has called for the CDC not to extend No Sail order.
• The option to Lift & Shift your cruise until next year expires in a few days.
• Royal Caribbean Group Chairman says new health protocols help cruises "coming back sooner".
• 6 questions we still have after Royal Caribbean released new health guidelines.
• Will the new Senate bill help the cruise lines restart?
• 5 recommendations for wearing masks on cruise ships by the Healthy Sail Panel.
• Royal Caribbean and NCL CEOs had a good laugh on television this week.
• The best spot for sailaway on every Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
• A preview of a new drone show for Odyssey of the Seas.
• There is still time to save money on a pre-cruise purchase during the Fall into Savings sale.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 373rd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Josh shares how a cruise on Adventure of the Seas changed how he cruises forever.

Josh took a cruise on Adventure of the Seas, unaware of all the new friends he would make onboard, and it completely changed how he would approach cruising.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Top myths people believe about cruises!

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Top myths people believe about cruises — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

5 things you've probably overlooked with the new cruise protocols

The Healthy Sail Panel announced sweeping changes in how cruise ships operate in order to keep them safe, so it is very easy to omit some important takeaways.

In looking over the 65 pages of information provided by this group of globally recognized medical and scientific experts, there is a lot of considerations and notes for the future included with the new rules.

I picked out five really important things to keep in mind when it comes to reviewing these new protocols.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean announced this week that it canceled all of its Australia and New Zealand cruises through December 31, 2020.

The cruise line said the decision was made due to a recent extension of a ban on cruise ships in Australian waters until mid-December. Royal Caribbean opted to extend its ban through the end of the year so that guests could make alternate holiday arrangements.

Guests who were booked on affected sailings will receive emails with compensation offers and choices of what to do.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean CEO warns anti-cruise group is flooding CDC to extend no-sail order.
• Two U.S. Senators have introduced a new bill to get cruise ships sailing again.
• Royal Caribbean gives brief update on Icon Class cruise ships.
• Time running out to send your comments to the CDC on cruises restarting.
• 10 things you can be doing right now to be ready when cruises restart.
• Where are Royal Caribbean's ships right now?
• 6 things that happen on a cruise that nobody talks about.
• The story of how Royal Caribbean engineered Central Park neighborhood for Oasis of the Seas.
• Why you can't trust online reviews of cruise ships.
• Odyssey of the Seas construction photo update.
• How to tell if your Royal Caribbean ship is almost full.
• 5 things to look for before you book a cruise.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 372nd episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Joy recalls a memorable sailing on Freedom of the Seas to celebrate her anniversary.

A wedding anniversary is always a special occasion, especially a 25th wedding anniversary. This week, Joy tells Matt all about a great cruise to mark a major milestone.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Why you shouldn't cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Why you shouldn't cancel your Royal Caribbean cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

5 hints Royal Caribbean Group Chairman has shared about cruises resuming

Richard Fain has provided periodic updates throughout Royal Caribbean's shutdown, and there have been a few hints at what changes we might to expect sprinkled in all of them.

Mr. Fain has spoken on television, in webinars, and on conference calls many times during the voluntary cruise suspension, and offered hints at what cruises starting up again will involve.

For anyone trying to piece together Royal Caribbean's game plan, here are a few policies we can expect that Richard Fain hinted or alluded to over the last few months.

Thank you for joining us for this a look at all the Royal Caribbean news from this week. We had plenty to share, so let us jump right in!

Royal Caribbean announced this week when they resume cruises, its mobile app will be at the heart of many new approaches and policies.

The Royal Caribbean app will be leveraged even more than before by adding new features and capabilities, with more coming in the future.

Features such as the new Muster 2.0, scheduled arrival times, digital key and more are going to be included in the app.

Royal Caribbean expects more advancements to be added to the app, including some changes that will take place "behind the scenes".

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean Group hired a new government relations expert.
• Two new Odyssey of the Seas construction photo updates were released this week.
• Spotted: Later check-in times for Royal Caribbean cruises.
• Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley is part of task force to safe return of tourism to the Caribbean.
• Miami-Dade officials slammed the CDC for slow response to cruise lines to restarting.
• New drone photos of Wonder of the Seas.
• The 3 most important upcoming dates for Royal Caribbean.
• Why you shouldn't fly to your cruise the same day it begins.
• Is the Royal Caribbean credit card worth it?
• A new brighter design for Royal Caribbean deck plans on at least one ship.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 371st episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Jose shared the story of how he did not like his first Royal Caribbean cruise but that did not stop him.

Jose's first cruise was not to his liking, but he gave it another try, and it exemplifies an important lesson for any first-time cruiser.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Royal Caribbean Group CEO: "We may be within sight of the end"

Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Richard Fain offered optimism and insight during the continued cruise shutdown.

In a new video update, Mr. Fain said he feels "more positive" that the end of this period of no cruises may finally be coming to an end.

In addition, he touched upon the work the Healthy Sail Panel is doing, and commented on how impressed he is with their progress.

Happy weekend! It has been a busy week of Royal Caribbean news and events, and we have a look back at everything that happened this week.

It was nice to have a change of pace this week when Wonder of the Seas was floated out at her shipyard.

Royal Caribbean's next Oasis Class cruise ship was successfully floated out at 7am on Saturday morning in just about one hour.

Wonder of the Seas is under construction at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The fifth Oasis Class ship will debut in 2022.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean will not release its new health protocols until at least the end of September.
• Australia extended its ban on cruise ships until December.
• The Port of Galveston says Royal Caribbean is still committed to begin construction of a new terminal in April 2021.
• Some Adventure of the Seas sailings in 2021 have been shortened due to Galveston pier construction delays.
• A new Odyssey of the Seas construction photo was released this week.
• You can still save money on pre-cruise add-ons with the latest Cruise Planner sale.
• Royal Caribbean stock was up again this week, thanks to positive cruise industry news.
• Why you shouldn't book the cheapest cruise you can find.
• What food or drinks you're allowed to bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• Our readers shared the best piece of cruise advice they have ever received.
• Top 10 best ways to spend $100 on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
• How to contact Royal Caribbean for help with a cruise cancellation or refund.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 370th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Jeff reviews two Grandeur of the Seas cruises.

This week's cruise story is a "two-fer", where Jeff contrasts his first Grandeur of the Seas cruise to his latest one.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

8 cruise ship tips from a former employee

Royal Caribbean crew members live on their ships for months at a time, and they see guests doing a lot of things during this time, including mistakes.

Former crew member Pippa Madden worked on cruise ships for 8 years and shared helpful do's and don'ts based on what she saw onboard.

Here are eight things to do, avoid, or simply be aware of, for your cruise vacation.

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean fans were relieved to hear that Grandeur of the Seas will remain in the fleet after all.

Plans to transfer Grandeur to Pullmantur Cruises has been cancelled due to Pullmantur's dire financial situation.

No new sailings have been announced yet, but more details are expected to be announced soon.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean canceled all Australia & New Zealand cruises until November.
• Royal Caribbean Group Chairman: "We are closer to the other side of this crisis every day".
• CDC dropped 14-day quarantine requirement after international travel.
• Royal Caribbean Group Chief Medical Officer talks vaccines, testing and cruise ship safety.
• Royal Caribbean's stock rallied this week after positive testing news.
• Important restrictions on how you cannot use your future cruise credits.
• How to plan a cruise vacation with maximum flexibility.
• Is it better to take a short or long cruise?
• Avoid these cruise ship cabin booking mistakes.
• 5 giant suites you can book on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
• Should I book a guarantee stateroom on a cruise?
• Top signs a Royal Caribbean drink package will probably save you money.
• What's the difference between a balcony and a suite cabin on a cruise?
• Top 5 things to do on Royal Caribbean for adults.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 369th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Sharla talks about her first cruise to Alaska.

This week's cruise story features Sharla recalling her first visit to Alaska on Explorer of the Seas, and which memories stand out from her first time visiting this area.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Harmony of the Seas Captain's message to guests: ready to welcome guests back

The Captain of Harmony of the Seas took to Twitter this week to share a short message to guests that he and the crew cannot wait to welcome back guests onboard.

In the short video, Captain Johnny Faevelen drove around the Central Park neighborhood on his scooter while showing off the ship.

While Captain Johnny's message contains no new information on when or how Royal Caribbean might start cruising again, the sentiment has resonated with cruise fans who are equally eager to get back onboard.

Thanks for joining us for another weekly look at all of the Royal Caribbean news from this week.  The late-summer heat is still on, and we have plenty of Royal Caribbean news to share from this week.

Anthem of the Seas sailed back to Southampton, England, following a short drydock refurbishment.

Along with Allure of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas was spotted off the South Coast of England.

A few Royal Caribbean ships have been positioned off the southern coast of England, and make periodic stops in Southampton for resupply.

Royal Caribbean News

• MSC Cruises new health policy refused a family on its ship that broke the rules.
• St. Kitts has allowed two Royal Caribbean ships to harbor there, although their arrival has been delayed.
• Royal Caribbean looking to restructure Freeport port deal.
• Wall Street thinks Royal Caribbean will not return to pre-Covid levels until 2024-2026.
• Why you shouldn't cancel your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise.
• What does it mean when a cruise ship goes into cold lay-up?
• What is the worst Royal Caribbean ship?
• Should you prepay gratuities for a Royal Caribbean cruise?
• Where can I eat on the first day of my Royal Caribbean cruise?
• The things Matt hasn't done yet on Royal Caribbean.
• What's the difference between cruise lines?

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 368th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Matt shares an overview of the Cruise with Confidence program.

Something so many of us are now dealing with are future cruise credits, and how to deal with getting them, redeeming them, and of course waiting for them.  This week’s podcast will talk about FCCs and what to expect when you’re expecting. 

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

Despite rumors online, Royal Caribbean hasn't sold Empress of the Seas

There was a lot of speculation on the internet this week that Empress of the Seas had been sold, but the cruise line insists that is not true.

Rumors began swirling again this week following an unnamed source claiming Empress was sold. 

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed that Empress has not been sold. Rather, she is in Greek waters for an extended "stay for a few months".

Welcome to this week's edition of the Royal Caribbean post round-up, where we summarize all of the Royal Caribbean news and information from this week into one handy-dandy post! There is plenty of great content to enjoy, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's round-up!

Royal Caribbean provided a business update this week in conjunction with announcing its second quarter 2020 financial results.

The cruise giant reported a $1.6 billion loss for the quarter, compared to a $472.8 million income last year at the same time.

Royal Caribbean's estimated monthly cash burn is about $250 million to $290 million per month during a prolonged suspension of operations. 

Royal Caribbean Group indicated 2021 cruise bookings are trending well and is within historical ranges.

Royal Caribbean News

• Royal Caribbean is considering extending Future Cruise Credits.
• Here's a look at where Royal Caribbean cruising is right now, and what's to come next.
• The CDC has begun posting comments from the public on cruises resuming.
• Here's all the health policies Royal Caribbean has confirmed or hinted once cruises resumes.
• Here are the crew members to find if you have a problem onboard your cruise.
• Bahamas wants cruises to return to Nassau, not just private islands
• Check out our Royal Caribbean FAQ.
• Odyssey of the Seas lifeboats have been delivered to shipyard.
• Royal Caribbean Group announced it has gotten a loan facility for $700 million.
• Royal Caribbean is planning its future without any federal assistance for a bailout.
• Royal Caribbean thinks a lot of people want to go on a cruise next year.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

The 367th episode of the Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast is now available, where Pacale talks about a memorable cruise on Jewel of the Seas.

Pascale sailed on Jewel of the Seas in 2004 during a hurricane, and shares how the storm did not ruin what ended up being a really fun cruise vacation.

Please subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! 

You might have to take a COVID-19 test to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise in the future

Royal Caribbean's CEO said the cruise line is thinking about using rapid testing for guests in order to go on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley indicated testing of guests is "very likely" to occur.

Mr. Bailey said that while the recommendations of the  Healthy Sail Panel of health experts are not available yet, he did say testing will be part of their recommendations.